BONUS Artillery Launched Precision Guided Munitions

(Bofors Defense/Giat
Industries)

Bonus artillery launched, fire-and-forget artillery shell targets
and destroys armored vehicles (stationary or mobile) by top attack
submunitions. Each BONUS shell carries two BONUS Submunitions, and
is provided with base bleed system to reach ranges of 35km. Two
Submunitions are carried in each shell, covering an area of 200 m’
in radius. The BONUS submunition deploys two “wings” which stabilize
its rapid descent path and fast spin required for target scanning.
BONUS acquires a target by multi-spectral infrared signature. BONUS
II, which will enter production in 2005 will also add a laser radar
(LADAR) for improved aiming into a target shape generated by a laser
radar (LADAR) sensor. The fusion of spectral and target profile
enables BONUS to separate between combat-worthy targets, damaged
or burning targets as well as decoys. Each submunition is equipped with
explosive formed penetrator (EFP) striking the target by top
attack. BONUS II is equipped with
improved IR sensors capable
of engaging targets with reduced IR signatures and
countermeasures. BONUS is in production since 2003. Over 1000 BONUS
shells have already been delivered to the French and Swedish armies,
and current production programs are scheduled to last til 2007